Are you tired of the default column width in your Google Sheets chart? Do you wish you could make the columns thinner to give your chart a more streamlined look? Well, you’re in luck! While Google Sheets doesn’t have a built-in option to reduce the width of columns in a column chart like Excel does, there is a workaround that you can try.
A Workaround for Thinner Columns in Google Sheets
Let’s dive right into the workaround. First, take a look at the chart below, which shows the default column width in Google Sheets:
As you can see, the columns are quite wide. But fear not, we have a trick up our sleeves to make them thinner and more visually appealing.
Step 1: Prepare Your Data
To get started, insert two blank columns on both sides of your source data in Google Sheets. Then, fill these new columns with zeros. Here’s an example of how your modified data should look:
| Score 1 | Score 2 | Score 3 |
---------|---------|---------|---------|
A | 0 | 5 | 5 |
B | 0 | 10 | 5 |
C | 0 | 5 | 5 |Step 2: Create Your Chart
Once your data is prepared, select the entire range of data including the blank columns (in this case, A1:H4). Then go to the “Insert” menu and choose “Chart.”
In the Chart Editor, under the “Setup” tab, select “Column chart” as the chart type if it’s not already selected. Under the “Customize” tab, choose “None” for the “Legends” option.
And voila! Your columns are now much slimmer than before.
Drawbacks to Consider
It’s important to note that this workaround does have a couple of drawbacks. First, you’ll have additional columns in your source data that may not be desired. Additionally, the “Legends” feature won’t be available in your chart, unlike in Excel.
But hey, we all have to make compromises sometimes, right? Plus, the main goal here is to make your chart look sleeker and more eye-catching.
Bonus: Thinner Bars in Bar Charts
If you’re interested in making your bar charts thinner as well, you’re in luck! This workaround can be applied to bar charts too. Just follow the same steps outlined above to achieve the desired effect.
A Bright Future for Google Sheets Charts
Google Sheets is continuously adding new features and improving the user experience. While there might not be a built-in option to control the width of columns in a column chart or bars in a bar chart at the moment, we can hope for future updates that will make these adjustments possible.
In the meantime, give this workaround a try and see how it transforms your charts. And if you’re hungry for more chart-related tips and tricks, be sure to check out Crawlan.com for all your Google Sheets needs!
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